MUMBAI: The long-in-gestation Malayalam satellite TV Indiavision is gearing up to launch its earth station on 3 January. The ribbon cutting will take place at the hands of film star turned politician and Union minister of state for health, Vinod Khanna.

Promoted by its chairman MK Muneerr, who is also the leader of the state wing of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the channel was first expected to launch in 2001 but has since been delayed. The company had announced partnership deals with Sony Entertainment then.

A note sent out by Indiavision resident director Jamal Farooquee to indiantelevision.com, says that Indiavision should launch "anytime now" with the flagging off of the earth station.

According the Faqoouee, the earth station, situated at Tutu's Tower on the bye pass road, cost about Rs. 27.5 million to build. "Though it can uplink two channels for now, it will be possible to uplink many more channels with a potential to earn revenue due to its strategic location in Kochi - the Information Gateway of India," he adds. "Also, Indiavision shall have the unique distinction of being the first private television channel in India to launch from its own earth station."

A function to mark the occassion of the inauguration of the work station is to be held at the Le Meridian Convention Centre, Maradu, Ernakulam, at 7.30 pm on 3 January.